Kyiv began using cluster munitions

The White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator, John Kirby, announced that Ukraine has begun using Cluster munitions American.

Kirby said, on Thursday, in a press conference, in response to a question if Ukraine began using American cluster munitions: “The munitions got to them as quickly as possible, I would say it happened about a week ago.”

The White House said that the use of cluster bombs by Ukrainian forces affects Russia’s defenses.

In parallel, he added that Washington expects fierce battles and confrontations between Russia and Ukraine, pointing out that mines prevent the Ukrainians from breaking the Russian defences.

He also stated that Russia has laid naval mines in the Black Sea and bombed food storage sites in Ukraine, pointing out that the decline in food in the southern hemisphere will be Russia’s responsibility.

He said that Russia’s laying of mines in the Black Sea aims to hit civilian ships, noting at the same time that the sanctions have a great impact on Russia and we aim to put more pressure on it.

for the first time

It is noteworthy that the United States announced on July 7 its decision to supply Ukraine with cluster bombs for the first time since the start of the Russian military operation.

The decision, which US President Joe Biden said was “very difficult” to make, came as Kiev forces struggled to advance in a counter-offensive it launched a month ago to retake Russian-held territory in eastern and southern Ukraine.

While Washington confirmed that it had obtained guarantees from Kiev that these weapons, which were banned by several countries, would not be used against civilians.

It is noteworthy that the controversial weapons can disperse up to hundreds of small explosive devices that may remain in the ground without exploding, posing a danger to civilians after the end of the conflict.

It is banned in many countries – particularly in Europe – which are signatories to the 2008 Oslo Accords and to which Russia, the United States or Ukraine are not parties.